Paul Merson expects Manchester United will lose at home in the Premier League for the first time since the opening weekend of the season when they host Newcastle on Sunday.
The Red Devils bounced back from their crushing defeat by Manchester City with a comeback victory at Everton last weekend. They have recovered well from their dismal losses to Brighton at Old Trafford and Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium in August, but face a stern test against Newcastle, who are just one place behind them in sixth.
The Magpies have been beaten just once this season and thrashed Fulham 5-1 last time out in another statement of their progress under Eddie Howe. Merson believes Cristiano Ronaldo will be unleashed against Newcastle after scoring the 700th club goal of his career against Everton - but predicts the visitors could snatch all three points at Old Trafford.
"I like the way Newcastle are playing at the moment - they absolutely dismantled Fulham last week," Merson told Sportskeeda. "You've got to give them credit - they've got the players and have pace on the counter.
"Erik ten Hag will have to play Cristiano Ronaldo now, won't he? Ronaldo, in my opinion, is the best finisher in the world. You don't score 700 goals by not being able to finish. You give him chances, and he scores goals. He makes the hardest things in the world look very easy.
"I think Casemiro needs some time. There's a lot yet to come from him. This game is very different to the Everton fixture, and United will need to be at their best. I'm not too sure about this game, and that’s a big compliment for Newcastle. I'm going to go for a shock this weekend.
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"‘Newcastle have the players in their team to hurt Manchester United. They've got the game to beat United, but they'll need to pick the right pass. If they stick to Eddie Howe's plan and execute it like they have been over the last couple of weeks, I think they'll win 2-1."
Howe certainly believes his side can trouble their hosts this weekend and demanded his stars play with "no fear" against the 20-time English champions. He said: "It is a big week for us with tough games, a big challenge and a big marker for where we are. The league is taking shape and we want to be in and around where we are now. But the points difference is such that you can slide down as well."
Both sides have a quick turnaround ahead of their next Premier League fixtures, with the Red Devils taking on Tottenham on Wednesday and Newcastle hosting Everton on the same day.
